Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

About 45 miles from civilization, there's a narrow canyon above the Gila River with one of the most remote cliff dwellings on Earth. It takes two hours just to drive here. No wonder the Tularosa Mogollon people loved this place. Instead of using the cliffs as a place to take shelter on a migratory route, some families decided to make this rocky place their home.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings offer a chance to explore what life was like in the American Southwest before European settlers usurped the local people. Archaeologists believe around eight to 10 families lived here for about 20 years in the late 1200s. The remote location and the rocky cliffs protected them from the weather, wildlife, and other humans. In much the same way, you can take shelter from the warm summer sunshine.

The 1-mile loop trail is an easy walk to reach the ruins. It's actually a longer drive to get here than it is a walk to find the cliff dwellings. Once there, you get a sense of wonderment. How did these people live here? What did they do for food? Why did they leave after just 20 years? For some, these cliff houses were home sweet home. The peaceful river valley below offers some clues. Families who resided here depended on the river for creating fertile ground for crops, fishing, and hunting.

This place is open year-round during the day. Nights can be chilly if you make a weekend out of it and explore the surrounding wilderness and camp for a weekend. Nearby campsites make it easy to visit this wilderness area.